Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Granby, CT

WorldAtlas · Granby, CT

11 Most Peaceful Small Towns In New England

Peace and quiet in New England can take on many forms. In Granby, Connecticut, historic farmland gives way to woodlands, with trails winding through ancient meadows and shaded forests. Bath, New Hampshire, keeps its historic character around a centuries-old covered bridge, and Winter Harbor, Maine, offers a quieter base for exploring Acadia's Schoodic Peninsula. Further north, Millinocket opens onto the vast wilderness surrounding Mount Katahdin. These 11 small towns reveal a quieter side of New England, where a little distance from the crowds can make all the difference. Granby, Connecticut The Holcomb family farmed large portions of Granby, Connecticut for two centuries. Today, the Holcomb Farm maintains 10 miles of hiking trails through the local woodlands and 2 miles of mowed meadow paths across the 300 acres of preserved land. The Holcomb Tree Trail showcases nearly 100 tree species, each labeled with botanical names.

Arizona Business Daily · Hartford, CT

Nearby: Hartford, CT

Hartford Memorial Walk to Retrace Historic 1865 Homecoming of Connecticut's Black Civil War Soldiers

Hartford, CT -- To commemorate the 161st anniversary of the return of Connecticut’s 29th and 30th Colored Regiments from the Civil War, the Alex Breanne Corporation, in collaboration with Connecticut’s Old State House, will host a memorial walk on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the walk will start at 9:30 a.m. Participants will retrace the soldiers’ footsteps through downtown Hartford, beginning and ending at Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street. The full route is 3.1 miles (5K), with an optional one-mile route for those who prefer a shorter walk. This event is FREE and open to the public. To RSVP, click here: http://ct-dc.org/qr.asp?q=AlexBreanne2026 On their return to Hartford on November 24th, 1865, Governor William Buckingham greeted the 29th & 30th Connecticut Colored Regiments at Connecticut’s Old State House.

Sentinel Colorado · Hartford, CT

Nearby: Hartford, CT

Bond denied for South Carolina man accused of burying his 11-month-old son alive

LEXINGTON, S.C. | A South Carolina man accused of burying his 11-month-old son in a dog crate in a clump of scrubby pines was denied bond Thursday. Michael Comer showed no remorse for attempting to kill his son, Koah, and tried to flee the state, Tyler Douglas, lead investigator for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, told Judge Gary W. Reinhart. Reinhart approved a public defender for Comer and set a hearing for Dec. 10. Comer, 25, has been charged with attempted murder, burglary and unlawfully placing a child at risk in connection with the disappearance and rescue of Koah, who survived and is expected to make a full recovery. Comer has been in custody in Lexington County since Monday, when his son was reported missing. An attorney for Comer has not yet been appointed. Koah, who rescuers found after about 24 hours, was released from a hospital Tuesday night, Sheriff Jay Koon said.

The Berkshire Edge · West Springfield, MA

Nearby: West Springfield, MA

THEATER REVIEW: ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ plays at the Majestic Theater through Nov. 29

Lend Me a Tenor Majestic Theater in West Springfield, Mass. Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Myka Plunkett “Ridi, Pagliaccio” Eight talented actors make up the cast of this farcical comedy. On a set designed by Daniel David Rist, with six doors defining two rooms in a very blue Cleveland hotel suite, the company play out the story of a single night at the Opera House, where a visiting celebrity is singing the title role in “Pagliacci.” Through a series of errors, the singer is presumed dead and must be replaced at the last minute. Comedy ensues. Director Myka Plunkett has pulled out the stops and has added a sense of reality to this show that makes it all the funnier. Doors slam, but not as often as in other productions; mistakes in judgement rule; women emote and men react. The production is as funny as it needs to be, and the company gives us enough joy to make the experience very worthwhile. In fact, this is a better production than any I have seen in recent years.

Athol Daily News · Springfield, MA

Nearby: Springfield, MA

Rolland F. Rochon

Winchendon, MA – Rolland F. Rochon, 89, of Otter River Road, Winchendon, former executive of Union Twist Drill and longtime corporator of Athol Savings Bank, died Monday, November 9, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare after a brief hospice stay.He was the husband of the late Helen M. Rochon (Shepardson), who died in 2019. The couple married in 1958 and raised their four children in Phillipston.Born in Springfield, MA, he was the son and only child of Ernest L. and Irene L. (Lamothe) Rochon. He is survived by his four children: Deborah A. (Rochon) Knott of Laurel, Maryland; Paul F. Rochon of Wrentham; and Glenn D. Rochon and Daniel F. Rochon, both of Winchendon; as well as two grandsons: Evan M. R. Knott of Woodstock, GA and Braden W. R. Knott of Bowie, MD; and two great-grandsons: Henry and Avery Knott of Bowie, MD. He also leaves behind a close friend, Elaine St.

Daily Hampshire Gazette · Chicopee, MA

Nearby: Chicopee, MA

Robert Samuel Bazluke

ROBERT SAMUEL BAZLUKE WILLIAMSBURG, MA – Robert Samuel Bazluke, 71, of Williamsburg, passed away unexpectedly at home Monday.Bob was born in Chicopee to the late Jane (Kuziak) Bazluke and the late Robert S. Bazluke. He spent his early years as a child in Chicopee and the family moved to Haydenville when Bob was 9 years old. Bob attended the Williamsburg and Hampshire Regional School Systems.He held many jobs over the years, most notably the Hazen Paper Company, PKC Plumbing, USA Recycling, and most recently Valley Recycling. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, cornhole, cards, bowling, and golf. Also, Lois and Bob loved going to tag sales.Bob was an avid hunter and he had two deer that were officially recognized by the NortheastBig Buck Club, which qualified him to make it into the record book. He also was a longtime member of the Williamsburg Rod and Gun Club and the Beaver Brook Golf Course.

Lakeville Journal · Torrington, CT

Nearby: Torrington, CT

Police Blotter: Troop B

The following information was provided by the Connecticut State Police at Troop B. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. North Canaan DUI A 21-year-old driver was charged with driving under the influence after a single-vehicle crash on Casey Hill Road early Nov. 3, state police said. Troopers responding to an automatic crash notification found that Samuel Green had been driving north near the intersection with Route 44 when his Ford F-150 struck a Frontier utility pole, left the road and came to rest atop a dirt mound, police said. Green, the vehicle’s sole occupant, had no reported injuries. He is scheduled to appear Nov. 13 in Torrington Superior Court. North Canaan possession of a controlled substance Police arrested a Torrington man in North Canaan on Nov. 8 for alleged possession of a controlled substance after a routine traffic stop investigating an equipment violation.

Highlands Current · Terryville, CT

Nearby: Terryville, CT

Patricia Anne Byron (1946-2026)

It is with profound sadness that the family of Patricia Anne Byron of Cold Spring, New York, announces her passing on Nov. 1, 2026, at the age of 80. Pat was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on Sept. 8, 1946, to Emmett Byron and Eleanor “Nell” Byron. She grew up in Terryville, Connecticut, and Providence. Patricia was a beloved mother and grandmother whose intense intellect, sharp wit and compassion touched the lives of so many, near and far. She was, simply put, brilliant, having learned to read the newspaper at the age of 3, sitting on her grandfather’s lap. Pat was a voracious reader throughout her life, generally consuming a book every day or two. She also was an editor for authors and nonprofits throughout her life. In Cold Spring, she loved visiting Butterfield Library, and when the walk became too far for her in later years, she appreciated their weekly deliveries of new material for her to enjoy.

Daily Hampshire Gazette · Easthampton, MA

Nearby: Easthampton, MA

Jonathan S. Watling

Easthampton, MA – Jonathan S. Watling, age 35, passed away on Sept 29. He was born in Northampton MA, on Feb 26, 1991, the son of Kevin Watling and the late Denise Ann LeBeau.Jonathan attended Easthampton public schools and went on to graduate from Smith Vocational High School of Northampton in 2009. He worked for Boulanger’s Plumbing, Pelican Products, and other various jobs in the community over the years.Growing up in Easthampton, Jon enjoyed spending time with his friends, creating music and films, skateboarding, and taking walks with his dog’s Oreo and Scout. He was a free spirit whose company will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Especially his grandmother Gloria. He is survived by his grandmother Gloria LeBeau, father Kevin Watling, grandparents Kenneth & Carol Roberts, and Aunt Tina LeBeau.He was predeceased by his mother Denise A.

Daily Hampshire Gazette · Easthampton, MA

Nearby: Easthampton, MA

A life well played: Remembering Bob Biardi, beloved Easthampton fixture

EASTHAMPTON — Robert “Bob” Biardi went by many nicknames: The Bread Man, Elbows, Bingo Bob. While each has its own story, perhaps what his friends and family remember most was simply how much joy he brought to everyone. Biardi died Nov. 2 at 91, having lived in Easthampton for 65 years. Biardi’s friends and family gathered at the Northampton Elks Lodge to reminisce and spend time together after his funeral on Monday. Asked what she remembers most about her father, Terri Brodeur barely knew where to begin. “Oh my gosh. Every good thing that you can possibly imagine. Where to start?” she said. Biardi spent his life showing up for his friends and family, and his care for the Easthampton community shone through his involvement with youth sports and the spirit he brought to everything he did. “Everybody knew him,” said Biardi’s wife, Judy Biardi.

Daily Hampshire Gazette · South Hadley, MA

Nearby: South Hadley, MA

H.S. football: South Hadley blitzes past SICS, 22-0, for Class B crown

SOUTH HADLEY – The PVIAC Class B Championship football game stood still in the third quarter. The field was quiet as medical personnel tended to South Hadley linebacker Joe Quatacker, who lay motionless at the 10-yard line after tackling Springfield International Charter School running back Ashton Chambers. Quatacker came around and gave his teammates a motivational jester before leaving in an ambulance. South Hadley then made all the noise down the stretch to pull away and win the championship, 22-0, on a rainy Thursday night. “It feels great. We (just) played Lee and Rockland – two tough losses. It feels great to win again, being the Western Mass. Championship,” South Hadley senior Lincoln Belsky said. “We get a plaque in our school, and it feels awesome being able to walk past it every day and see that.” The Tigers rallied for Quatacker. “He went down and went unconscious. It’s an injury you don’t see happen a lot, especially in high school sports,” Belsky said.

Daily Hampshire Gazette · South Hadley, MA

Nearby: South Hadley, MA

South Hadley TM rejects school bus stop-arm cameras over surveillance, data concerns

SOUTH HADLEY — Town Meeting voters this week rejected a proposal to install cameras on school bus stop arms to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, with many residents citing concerns about surveillance and data breaches. The article failed 70-24, with two abstentions. In January 2025, Gov. Maura Healey signed a law allowing cameras mounted on school bus stop arms to record vehicles that illegally pass buses. Municipalities that adopt the law can contract with a third-party company that uses artificial intelligence to review footage and issue citations. Student safety at bus stops is a concern across the region, including in South Hadley. Police Chief Jennifer Gundersen previously told the Gazette that with six or seven buses carrying children each day, one violation per bus per day over a 180-day school year would total 1,080 to 1,260 violations.